How to Identify Genuine vs Fake iPhone Chargers?

Using counterfeit chargers can damage your battery, cause overheating, or even pose a fire risk. Here is how to distinguish the real deal from the fakes.

Visual Inspection Checklist

• Packaging: Genuine Apple accessories have a "Made for iPhone" (MFi) logo on the packaging.
• The Text on the Cable: Authentic cables have "Designed by Apple in California" followed by "Assembled in China" (or Vietnam/Indústria Brasileira) and a 12-digit serial number printed about 7 inches from the USB connector.
• The Connector Ends:
  • Lightning end: Single-piece, smooth, rounded contacts (Gold or Silver). Fakes often have rough, square, or uneven contacts.
  • USB end: The surface of the USB shell is smooth and consistent. Fakes may feel rough or have a latch that locks in place poorly.

Performance Signs of a Fake Charger

• iPhone displays "Accessory not supported" message.
• Phone gets excessively hot while charging.
• Touch screen becomes unresponsive or laggy while plugged in (due to electrical noise).
• Charging is significantly slower than usual.